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CHICAGO – May 11, 2015 – Fewer crowds, mild temperatures, and lower prices are just some of the reasons why Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest global collection of independent luxury hotels, is encouraging travelers to hit the road during the shoulder season. As summer travel begins to rev up in the U.S., countries across Central and Latin America are transitioning into the winter season, making it the ideal time for American travelers to take advantage of not only off-season pricing, but the surplus benefits and perks that these destinations can now offer. From burgeoning rainforest landscapes in Costa Rica’s wet season, legendary beaches in Rio de Janeiro, and more opportunities to interact with local residents on the cobblestone streets of Buenos Aires or Cartagena, travelers will discover countless advantages traveling to Latin America out of season.

Top destinations in Central and South America for the shoulder season include:

For the entertainment seeker…

Visit: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Stay: Miramar Hotel by Windsor

As host to the 2016 Summer Olympics, Brazil is soon to be on every traveler’s radar, which is all the more reason to visit this year before prices begin to soar. June through September is the country’s winter season, but don’t be fooled by the title, the temperatures remain warm and sunny, especially in coastal cities such as Rio de Janeiro. For travelers looking to avoid extreme heat, get access to the best hotel rooms and prices, and hit the beaches and nightlife scene before they are too overcrowded to enjoy, the shoulder season is the ideal time to visit.

For the cultural enthusiast…

Visit: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Stay: CasaSur Bellini Hotel or Hotel Club Frances Buenos Aires

Known for its European-inspired boulevards where visitors can often witness impromptu tango sessions, animated residents, perfectly grilled steaks, and popular art scene, Argentina’s capital city is a destination that should top every explorer’s bucket list. While the city is bustling with entertainment and attractions year-round, travelers seeking mild temperatures, uncongested streets, and reasonable prices, should visit between the fall (April – June) and spring (September – December).

For travelers looking to experience pura vida or the “pure life,” there is no better place than Costa Rica. Home to lush tropical rainforests, diverse wildlife, world-class surfing, and welcoming locals who strive to preserve the natural wonders of their country, Costa Rica has become one of the top environmental-friendly destinations in the world. The wet season, also known as the “green season,” occurs June through November, and is the best time to admire the beautiful vegetation and to spot wildlife. Many areas receive rainfall around the same time each day, so it is easy for travelers to plan activities around the weather so it does not interfere with their trip.

For the history buff…

Visit: Cartagena, Colombia

Stay: Armería Real Luxury Hotel & Spa or Bantú Hotel Boutique

Cartagena is the emerging Colombian destination that offers travelers the Caribbean sunshine and beaches, as well as a beautiful city with a storied past waiting to be explored. Visitors can spend their days walking the cobblestone streets of the Old City to admire colonial architectural gems, excellent museums, and 400-year-old plazas. In the evenings, visitors can witness the city unfold with its lively nightlife and restaurant scene. To avoid long lines at cultural attractions, travelers should visit May through September. While the rainfall is the highest during these months, the sun is known to shine even on the rainiest of days.